Today’s question: Will Julian Edelman continue to be a 100-catch option at the age of 34 without Tom Brady?
Hannable: Given his age and the way he plays the game, taking a number of big hits each and every week, it's hard to imagine him keeping the same pace as last year. And we'd probably be saying the same thing if Brady still was his quarterback.
It is also worth pointing out if Cam Newton is his quarterback he hasn't thrown much to slot receivers over the course of his career. Newton prefers receivers on the outside, so will Edelman change his game, or will Newton have to adjust? It likely will be Newton and that will be something to watch. Besides very brief stretches, Edelman has only worked with Brady, so this will be something completely new for him and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts.
If Jarrett Stidham wins the job, that actually might mean more targets for Edelman, but not by much.
Edelman will certainly still be the Patriots' No. 1 receiver, just his 100-catch season from a year ago might not be in the cards a year older and having a new quarterback for the first time in his career.
Hart: As much as he may not want to hear it and reportedly has the “red ass” to prove his doubters wrong, Edelman is facing a major challenge to continue to produce at an elite level in 2020. Larry Fitzgerald became the oldest player to record 100 receptions when he did so at the age of 34 a couple seasons ago. Edelman is 34. Jerry Rice had his last 100-catch season at the age of 34. So, while catching 100 balls at 34 is not impossible, it’s far from easy.
Edelman also faces the challenge of working with a new quarterback full-time for the first time in his career spent honing his skills with Brady. He had an unmatched rapport, trust and friendship with Brady. It will be impossible to recreate that with Cam Newton or Jarrett Stidham. There will be a learning curve and acclimation period coming off a strange offseason that greatly limited Edelman’s ability to get a jumpstart on the transition. Edelman is also coming off a season in which he admirably battled through multiple injuries, the kind that come from being a high-volume slot target for years. It’s hard to imagine he won’t battle some physical ailments again in 2020.
Put it all together and the smart bet is on Edelman taking a step back in his production and consistency in 2020. That doesn’t mean he can’t still be a key contributor for the new-look New England offense. But Edelman’s best, most productive days are likely behind him. As his own coach might say, it is what it is.
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